China's sharp-shooters are the team to beat as Ralf Schumann of Germany and America's Kim Rhode aim to add to their collection of medals.

On home soil in 2008, the powerful Chinese took five of the 15 golds on offer, making them the top performers ahead of the United States, which still leads the overall historical medals table.

And the Chinese are in form coming into the competition which starts today, finishing top of the overall medal standings at the International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup Series event in Munich in May.

They can boast the likes of Guo Wenjun and Chen Ying, defending Olympic champions in the women's 10m air pistol and the 25m pistol. But that pair will face tough challenge from Ukraine ace Olena Kostevych, the 10m air pistol champion at Athens 2004, who won both titles at the ISSF world cup event in Milan, also in May.

In the men's rifle events, Italy's Niccolo Campriani could sweep all the gold medals on offer but Chinese marksman Zhu Qinan, who won gold in 2004 and silver in 2008 in the men's 10m air rifle, is expected to put up a fierce fight.

In the women's rifle events China's Du Li, chasing her third consecutive Olympic gold, will compete in the women's 50m rifle three positions.